India’s para‑badminton icon Pramod Bhagat created history at the 2026 BWF Para World Championships in Manama, Bahrain, by winning a record sixth men’s SL3 singles world title, defeating Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran 21‑12, 21‑18 in a commanding final.
The 37‑year‑old also clinched gold in the men’s doubles SL3‑SL4 alongside partner Sukant Kadam, underscoring a stellar individual and team performance. Bhagat’s achievement makes him the most decorated singles champion in badminton world championships history, surpassing legendary Chinese shuttler Lin Dan’s tally of five.
Team India’s broader medal haul, including multiple silvers and bronzes across categories, highlighted the nation’s growing strength in para badminton on the global stage. Officials, teammates and sporting voices from across India celebrated Bhagat’s record as a testament to resilience and excellence.
Historic Milestone in Bahrain
At the 2026 BWF Para Badminton World Championships held in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, Pramod Bhagat once again demonstrated his class and consistency by dominating the men’s SL3 singles final. Facing Muhammad Al Imran of Indonesia, Bhagat controlled play with precise shot‑making, sharp net play and tactical awareness, finishing with a straight‑games victory of 21‑12, 21‑18. This was Bhagat’s fourth consecutive world singles gold and sixth overall in the SL3 category, extending a remarkable record that includes titles in 2009, 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2024.
With this milestone, Bhagat surpassed China’s Lin Dan widely regarded as one of badminton’s greatest players to become the most decorated singles champion in world championship history across all badminton disciplines, a feat rarely seen in any sport. Speaking after his victory, Bhagat described the moment as “emotional and special” and dedicated the win to “everyone who supported me throughout my journey.”
Adding to his extraordinary day, Bhagat paired with Sukant Kadam to claim gold in the men’s doubles SL3‑SL4 category, defeating fellow Indians Jagadesh Dilli and Naveen Sivakumar 21‑19, 21‑16 in an all‑Indian final that showcased India’s depth and teamwork in para badminton.
India’s Strong Showing and Officials’ Reactions
Bhagat’s double gold was only part of an impressive overall performance by the Indian contingent at the world championships. Other notable achievements included silver medals won by Naveen Sivakumar in men’s singles SL4, Manisha Ramadass in women’s singles SU5, and N. Sumathy Sivan in women’s singles SH6, alongside several bronze medals across singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories. The sweep of medals emphasized India’s expanding competitiveness across classifications.
Officials from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and India’s sports bodies lauded Bhagat’s performance as “a testament to unwavering dedication, resilience and sporting excellence.” While no formal quotes were released in the initial press summaries, analysts and commentators highlighted that Bhagat’s journey including his comeback following a long suspension embodies the spirit of perseverance and elite athleticism in para sports.
Senior coaches and teammates also underscored his role as a mentor and motivator for younger Indian athletes. Sukant Kadam, reflecting on their doubles success, spoke of the “hard work and synergy” that went into building their partnership, while other team members pointed to the championships as a breakthrough moment for India’s para badminton programme.
Journey, Setbacks and Triumph
Pramod Bhagat’s rise in para badminton is as much a story of triumph as it is of challenge. Born with polio in his early childhood, Bhagat rose to prominence through sheer determination and consistent performance, becoming world champion multiple times and winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. However, his career faced a setback when he served an 18‑month suspension after missing multiple anti‑doping whereabouts tests a suspension that forced him to miss the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Bhagat’s return to competitive badminton in late 2025 marked a remarkable turnaround. He quickly regained form, winning multiple international titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles in tournaments in China, Nigeria, Australia and Japan, setting the stage for his historic performance in Bahrain. His story illustrates not only athletic excellence but also the resilience needed to bounce back at the highest level following adversity.
The immense medal haul by the Indian team further reflects the country’s investment in para sports infrastructure, training, and athlete support. From emerging talents to seasoned champions, India’s para shuttlers showcased technical skill and competitive depth across the board.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Pramod Bhagat’s remarkable achievements are cause for celebration far beyond raw statistics. They highlight the transformative power of sports as a platform for inclusion, resilience, and human dignity. In an era where narratives often focus narrowly on medal counts and rankings, Bhagat’s journey reminds us of the value of perseverance in the face of setbacks and the importance of fostering environments where differently‑abled athletes have equal opportunities to excel.
This historic performance should also encourage policymakers, sporting institutions and society at large to deepen their commitment to para athletes not merely as competitors but as role models who embody empathy, courage and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
